It’s fair to say after watching the FOX Business Republican debate on Jan. 14, there is a major flaw in how Americans remain interested in politics.

This debate marked the first of 2016—and sixth of this election—with each passing battle feeling less relevant and more repetitive.

Trump’s biggest priority is still the wall and “legal” immigration—which is redundant because he brought Ted Cruz’s birth into question as a lazy attempt to grow his lead in the latest poll.

Cruz on the flipside used the debate to make his image less of a mid-major bully and one that can contend to Trump’s stronghold on the polls.

The remaining candidates discussed the one topic that might get them an extra sliver of screen-time: each other.

Marco Rubio and Chris Christie played “Who’s More Liberal?” while Ben Carson joked about the promptness of his responses.

Even Jeb Bush—who in the early stages was the odds on favorite to beat his inexperienced rivals—has ditched any sort of strategy toward speaking on issues in favor of the idea that the only way to the Oval Office is going toe-to-toe with the Donald.

Perhaps the worst part is the fact that Rand Paul and Carly Fiorina were bumped from the main-stage which would’ve meant even more bickering over the limelight.

Whether you’re the Reddest Elephant or the Bluest Donkey the claim stays the same: This garbage is not politics.

The purpose of these debates isn’t because they want to set a platform on the issues—it’s all about a sound bite that’ll be replaying on news networks the morning after because all anyone wants is a chance to be seen and heard more.

AP government teacher Josh Hayes understands the recurring phenomenon that happens with each passing debate.

“What people don’t understand is that these guys are going up there and saying what they are with the sole premise of getting elected,” Hayes said. “They don’t care if they sound like a hypocrite or a jerk [because] they all have the same intent and they’re willing to exchange any serious reputation for that in the process.”

Like it or not—the idea of rebuttals and verbal sparring has tainted the quality and purpose of the debate.

“Each candidate deserves their equal time-no questions,” Hayes said. “The fact that they use it the wrong way is where issues form. We’ve got all these candidates and if someone’s name is mentioned they get a chance to explain themselves. It sounds good in theory but what’s the point if they’re just going to complain about each other and hog time reserved for the issues?”

The real reason for the Republicans to have these debates is to explain their stances on issues and how they plan to run the country better than the Democratic nominee.

“The problem is the Republicans have had so many voices [so] they need to divide best to their ability,” Hayes said. “It’s almost impossible for them to find a way for everyone to get equal time.”

A final word to the candidates:

Just because you beat ‘American Idol’ in the ratings doesn’t mean you get to act like you’re in a reality show!